Rams Build Coaching Farm System with Former Players

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay brings in ex-players Brian Allen and Robert Woods to develop as future coaches.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams are taking a unique approach to building their coaching staff, creating a developmental system similar to a minor league farm system in baseball. The team has brought in former players Brian Allen and Robert Woods to join the coaching staff, with the goal of grooming them to eventually replace outgoing assistants. McVay believes their experience as players, combined with their coaching potential, makes them ideal candidates to be part of the Rams' coaching pipeline.

Why it matters

The Rams' approach highlights an innovative way for NFL teams to develop their own coaching talent from within, rather than constantly losing assistants to other organizations. By bringing in former players who understand the team's culture and system, the Rams are creating a sustainable model for maintaining continuity on the coaching staff.

The details

The Rams have brought in former center Brian Allen and wide receiver Robert Woods to join the coaching staff. McVay praised Allen's passion for the game and his ability to work well with younger offensive linemen. With Woods, McVay highlighted his rapport with the receivers and his transition from player to coach. The team believes both Allen and Woods will provide tremendous value to the staff, given their experience as competitive, tough, and mentally sharp players who embodied the Rams' culture.

  • In January 2026, the Rams hired Brian Allen and Robert Woods as full-time coaches.
  • The Rams' coaching farm system has been growing over the past few years as the team has lost assistants to other organizations.

The players

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has created a coaching development system to groom future assistants from within the organization.

Brian Allen

A former Rams center who has joined the coaching staff, bringing his passion for the game and ability to work with younger players.

Robert Woods

A former Rams wide receiver who has transitioned to the coaching staff, leveraging his rapport with the receivers and understanding of the team's culture.

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What they’re saying

“Just his feel on the grass. I think most importantly, this guy's passionate about the game. With what we put on the center position, he always looked at it as a coach. He's extremely conscientious. He had a great way of being able to bring people with him. He studied the game like a coach when he was playing.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams (si.com)

“I love the rapport that he had working alongside [Offensive Line Coach] Ryan Wendell. There's obviously a familiarity that he and [Assistant Offensive Line Coach] Zak Kromer have with one another.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams (si.com)

“When he called and said he was ready to make that transition, I talked to him about what the role would include and asked him if he felt good about it. I think he'll be tremendous and he'll be around great guys.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams (si.com)

What’s next

The Rams will continue to develop Allen and Woods as part of their coaching farm system, with the goal of them eventually taking on larger roles within the organization.

The takeaway

The Rams' approach to building a coaching pipeline from within their organization, leveraging the expertise and understanding of former players, is an innovative model that could become more common across the NFL as teams look to maintain continuity and develop their own coaching talent.